![]() ![]() ![]() Most enjoyably, the quote is rendered not just in the English translation, but in the original language script as well. Each story begins with a title page, featuring a duo-toned photo and a quote from the story that both connect to the Elemental theme. The stories span vastly different styles, but all appear beautifully rendered into English. More particularly to the anthology’s theme, it’s often about humans trying to find connection and freedom in the natural world. ![]() Like all literature, it’s also at heart an investigation of humans, their interactions and foibles. In this sense Elemental is very much an ecological anthology, a look at how humans impact the abiotic environment and vice versa. Others treat the theme of elemental more subtly, and some also approach it in broad terms of how humanity is impacted as a part of nature – even when humanity tries to bend nature to its will. Many place the elemental theme into the central turning point of the plot or character development. Some of the authors chose to make the elements into something akin to characters themselves. Though not ever speculative, the literary tales frequently incorporate magical realism into the plots, with nods to mythology. ![]() Most approach the term from in the classical sense of the Four Elements: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, but others also incorporate actual physical elements from the Periodic Table. The eight stories of this anthology span the globe and language, but also span a wide range of approaches to the Elemental theme. ![]()
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